Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio reunite for new Karate Kid movie

The pair recently released a video announcing the project, teasing the search for the "next Karate Kid."

Sony Pictures will distribute the film, set for a 2024 release. Although details about the project remain scarce, the announcement alone has sparked a buzz online. Reactions range from ecstatic — one fan exclaimed, "OMG SO EXCITED!!! Jackie Chan is the GOAT" — too speculative, with another saying, "Maybe Jackie Chan will appear in Cobra Kai Season Six to set up the movie."

The original Karate Kid, a hit American martial arts drama, debuted in 1984. Directed by John G. Avildsen, it featured Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, a teenager learning karate from Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) to confront school bullies. The film, celebrated for its portrayal of their mentor-mentee relationship, led to several sequels.

Jackie Chan starred in a successful 2010 remake alongside Jaden Smith. The franchise gained a new generation of fans with the 2018 debut of Cobra Kai, a series by Josh Heald and Jon Hurwitz. This show, set decades after the original, reignites the rivalry between a middle-aged LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence.

The upcoming movie, with its nod to both the original and the remake, promises to bridge generations of Karate Kid enthusiasts. The decision to cast an unknown actor in the lead role, as one fan noted, adds to the excitement: "It's great that they're not just opting for another repo."

As anticipation builds, fans eagerly await more details about this latest chapter in the Karate Kid saga.